Juventus Pre-Season Player Ratings: Thuram Shines, Vlahovic Struggles in Atletico Madrid Defeat
Juventus Pre-Season Player Ratings: Thuram Shines, Vlahovic Struggles in Atletico Madrid Defeat
Juventus wrapped up their pre-season preparations with a 0-2 defeat against Atletico Madrid in Gothenburg, Sweden. This match provided a mixed bag of performances for the Bianconeri, showcasing both moments of promise and instances of concern as they head into the new season. Possession was the name of the game for Juventus in the first half, as they controlled the ball and pressed forward aggressively. Still, those efforts were left unrewarded mainly due to a lack of finishing prowess from the front line, particularly Dusan Vlahovic.
The early phase of the game saw Juventus in control, orchestrating attacks that seemed promising but ultimately fizzled out. Vlahovic, despite being presented with several scoring opportunities, failed to make any significant impact. Each missed chance seemed to deflate the team’s momentum. His inability to find the back of the net set a negative tone that persisted throughout the match.
On the flip side, Atletico Madrid's game plan appeared to focus more on soaking up pressure and then striking swiftly when the opportunity presented itself. This strategy bore fruit in the second half when Joao Felix was introduced. The young Portuguese attacker made an almost immediate impact, finding the net shortly after coming on. His goal illustrated a clear difference in efficiency between the two teams.
Later in the game, Atletico were awarded a penalty, which was successfully converted by Angel Correa in the 85th minute, effectively sealing the win. This goal was not just a feather in the cap for Correa, but it also underscored Atletico's tactical discipline and clinical finishing—attributes notably lacking in Juventus’ performance on the day.
Despite the defeat, there were multiple takeaways for Juventus, especially on an individual level. IlBianconero's player ratings identified Khephren Thuram as the standout performer for the Bianconeri. The 23-year-old midfielder's ability to win back possession numerous times and contribute significantly to the buildup play was a bright spot in an otherwise dim day. Manuel Locatelli and Douglas Luiz also delivered solid performances in midfield, acting as the engine room for many of Juventus' forward movements.
Timothy Weah, deployed on the right wing, managed to cause trouble for Atletico’s defense on a few occasions. His speed and dribbling were noteworthy, offering a glimpse of what he could provide once the competitive season begins. However, these individual bright spots couldn't completely mask the team’s deficiencies, particularly in the attacking third.
Vlahovic, unfortunately, received the lowest rating among the starters. The Serbian forward’s lack of clinical finishing in front of goal was a key reason for Juventus’ inability to convert their dominance into goals. His struggles in front of goal will surely be a point of concern for the coaching staff as they approach the regular season. Nicolo Fagioli, brought on as a substitute, failed to make an impression and will be looking for better days ahead.
The starting lineup for Juventus included Di Gregorio in goal; a backline of Cambiaso, Gatti, Bremer, and Cabal; Thuram operating as the holding midfielder; flanked by Weah, Locatelli, Douglas Luiz, and Yildiz in a four-man midfield, with Vlahovic spearheading the attack. Substitutions included Danilo and Fagioli, both of whom failed to tip the scales in Juventus' favor.
Coach Thiago Motta Under the Spotlight
Juventus’ coach, Thiago Motta, received a performance rating of 6.5. The rating reflects a mixed review of his approach to the game, highlighting both positive strategic decisions and areas needing improvement. Motta’s decision to start Thuram paid off, as did the initial aggressive strategy that saw Juventus dominate possession. However, his inability to address the lack of finishing from his forwards was a glaring shortfall. As the pre-season concludes, Motta will have crucial decisions to make, particularly in the attacking setup.
As the focus shifts to the start of the competitive season, Juventus will undoubtedly look to learn from this defeat. The silver lining is that pre-season matches provide a sandbox for testing strategies and evaluating player performances without the pressure of league standings or cup progressions. The insights gained from this defeat could serve as valuable lessons for Motta and his coaching staff.
Looking Ahead, Juventus fans will be keen to see how the team evolves from here. The evident dominance in terms of possession and some individual standout performances offer hope. However, the glaring inability to convert chances into goals remains a pressing issue. The upcoming training sessions will likely focus heavily on finishing drills and tactical rehearsals aimed at improving the team's efficiency in front of goal.
Off the pitch, the Juventus management may also consider bolstering the squad further, particularly in the forward department. Given Vlahovic’s struggles, the rumor mill is bound to be rife with potential transfer targets who can provide more consistent scoring threats. A well-rounded, efficient attacker could be the missing piece Juventus needs to complement their otherwise strong-looking squad.
For now, the narrative remains one of potential unrealized. Yet, with promising signs from players like Thuram, Locatelli, and Weah, there's a foundation on which to build. Juventus’ journey through the upcoming season will undoubtedly be a story to follow, as they seek to translate their potential into tangible success on the pitch.